By Daily Sports Nigeria on November 28, 2024
Victor Osimhen’s lethal form in front of goal has been a defining factor for Galatasaray in the UEFA Europa League this season. After delivering a match-winning brace against Tottenham Hotspur in a thrilling 3-2 encounter on Matchday 4, the Nigerian forward will aim to extend his scoring streak as the Lions face AZ Alkmaar at the AFAS Stadion on Thursday (today)
Osimhen’s impact has been undeniable, with four goals contributed in three Europa League appearances this term, each one instrumental in securing points for Okan Buruk’s side.
His brace against Spurs not only highlighted his clinical finishing but also reaffirmed his position as one of Europe’s most in-form strikers.
Galatasaray enter Thursday’s clash in scintillating form, unbeaten in their last 14 matches across all competitions, with 12 wins and two draws. Their Europa League campaign has been just as impressive, collecting 10 points from four matches, including a 3-1 victory over PAOK, a dramatic 4-3 win against Elfsborg, and the statement win over Spurs.
Currently leading the Turkish Super Lig by five points, Galatasaray’s domestic dominance has been fuelled by Osimhen’s contributions, including six goals in seven league matches. Despite their stellar run, their away form in Europe raises questions, with a 2-2 draw against RFS and a loss to Young Boys in Champions League qualification earlier this season.
AZ Alkmaar, unbeaten in European home matches this season, pose a formidable challenge. The Dutch side secured a 3-1 victory over Fenerbahce on Matchday 4, extending their unbeaten streak against Turkish teams to seven matches (four wins, three draws). Maarten Martens’ team have also been prolific at home, scoring at least two goals in six of their seven encounters with Turkish opposition.
However, AZ’s Europa League campaign has been inconsistent. After a strong start with a 3-2 win over Elfsborg, back-to-back losses to Athletic Club and Spurs derailed their momentum and Osimhen will look to capitalize on this hitch in form on Thursday (today).
Osimhen’s partnership with Galatasaray’s creative midfielders has been a key driver of the team’s success. The 25-year-old striker’s combination of pace, strength, and finishing ability makes him a constant threat, particularly against defences that struggle with physicality and movement.
The Nigerian forward’s brace against Spurs showcased his ability to rise to the occasion in high-stakes games, a trait Galatasaray will heavily rely on against AZ.
Osimhen will look to add to his two-goal tally against a Dutch defence that has conceded five goals in their last three European matches.
A win for Galatasaray would cement their position as group leaders, while AZ will be desperate to keep their knockout stage hopes alive.
As the Europa League heats up, the AFAS Stadion will be the stage for an enthralling contest, with Osimhen poised to once again prove why he’s one of Europe’s most feared forwards.
Source Punch Ng
Posted November 28, 2024
You may also like...
Osun athletes protest poor welfare, block stadium entrance...
Everton Gun Down Arsenal at Goodison Park
Boxers storm Ibadan for GOtv Next Gen 3...
Ndidi, Onyekuru rated among top stars in Belgium...
Big Match Preview: Can Spurs End Wait For...
Naija Super 8: Sporting, Akwa, Remo, Lobi eye...

Draws hold as Niger Delta Games begin Friday
NFF to review Chelle’s $130k request, other demands
Usman to retire after becoming two-division champ
NPFL: Kwara United slams post-match violence after Rivers United clash
Widow, late Nigerian boxer’s family clash over estate
Falcons recall Okobi-Okeoghene, Monday for Cameroon friendlies
Lagos SWAN Chairman, Amb. Olatutu Oladunni, and EXCO Members Extend Ramadan and Lenten Greetings to Muslim and Christian Faithful Across Lagos
Lookman battles Onyedika in UCL knockout play-off
Osimhen’s Galatasaray thrash Juve 5-2 in UCL first leg playoff
Para-badminton star Bolaji emerges World No. 1 after Bahrain tourney
Falcons to face Cameroon in pre-WAFCON friendlies
Ondo athletes eye Niger Delta Games top spot
Rangers International going, going . . . (63,571 views)
Amaju Pinnick: A cat with nine lives (54,875 views)
Second Term: Amaju Pinnick, Other NFF Heavyweights Home to Roost •How Pinnick Broke the Jinx (52,787 views)
Current issues in Nigerian sports: Matters arising (52,423 views)
Sports Development: Zenith Bank on the zenith (52,337 views)
Missing $150,000 IAAF Grant: Solomon Dalung’s Hide and Seek game (52,257 views)
Gov. Abdullahi Ganduje’s solid footprints, commitment to sports development in Kano State (52,126 views)
NFF Presidency: Pinnick, Maigari, Ogunjobi, Okoye in Battle for Supremacy (51,672 views)
Olopade, BET9A wave of revolution in NNL (50,844 views)
Commonwealth Games 2018: Shame of Muhammadu Buhari, Solomon Dalung (49,374 views)
Ibrahimovic’s Man U exit: Whose decision is it? And in whose interest? (47,762 views)
John Mikel Obi: Segun Odegbami’s Outrageous Call! (47,233 views)